Information About Visiting Japan in January 2025!
Hi I’m Nobu, I like traveling overseas and in Japan, visited 28 countries!
I’m a National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter of English for 11 years.
For the people who are interested in and planning trip to Japan ,
I show you hidden local information which you have never seen and heard of through books and ordinary site!
You will find unexpected fun through my articles!
Climate
• Average temperatures range from 5–10°C(40-50℉)
• In Hokkaido and Tohoku,these northern part, temperatures often drop below freezing, with heavy snowfall.
• The Pacific Ocean side like Tokyo,Kyoto and Osaka are dry and cold but very sunny weather.
• Okinawa is warmer, with temperatures around 10–20°C( 50-70℉) the semitropical weather.
Snowfall
• Snow is common in Sea of Japan side and northern regions (Hokkaido, Hokuriku, Tohoku).
• Urban areas may occasionally experience snow once a twice a year.
Clothing
• It’s the coldest season in the year.
•Bring a heavy coat, down jacket, sweaters, and thermal layers.
• Accessories: Gloves, scarves, and hats and mask are highly recommended.
• Waterproof footwear: Snowy regions require waterproof boots or shoes.
Seasonal Events
• Hatsumode (First Shrine Visit of the Year)
• A tradition where people visit shrines or temples to pray for happiness and health for the new year.
Visitors are welcome to participate.
• Popular locations: Meiji Shrine, Sensoji Temple (Tokyo), Fushimi Inari Shrine (Kyoto), and more.
Coming of age day
The second Monday of January is the coming of age day ,( 20 years old)national holiday.
20 years old people wear traditional clothing and mostly gather at the local city halls and visit shrines.
On 2025 13rd January is the coming of age day.
So if you want to see kimono women go out and visit shrines!
You will see so many women wearing traditional kimono!
Foods
• Osechi Ryori (Traditional New Year’s Cuisine):
• A must-try Japanese tradition, this is a special assortment of dishes served in decorative lacquered boxes only new year days.
• Each food item has a symbolic meaning, such as:
• Black beans (health),
• Datemaki (success in academics),
• Kazunoko (prosperity and fertility).
• Available at supermarkets, department stores, and sometimes served at hotels or inns.
Festival
• Snow Festivals (Late January to Early February)
• This photo is Kamakura snow house festival in Akita Prefecture.
In a small snow house , children serve Japanese tea for the guests.
It’s very cute and nostalgic!
Other seasonal things
Onsen (Hot Springs)
• Perfect for winter relaxation. Popular spots include Kusatsu, Hakone, and Beppu.
Winter Illuminations
• Beautiful light displays in cities, such as Tokyo Midtown , Marunouchi, Robbongi , Shibuya and Kobe Luminarie.
Things to Be Careful About
• Temperature differences: Indoor and outdoor temperatures can vary greatly, so wear layers that are easy to remove.
• Health: Take precautions against colds and the flu by wearing a mask and washing your hands frequently.
• Snowy roads: Wear non-slip shoes and walk carefully in snowy areas.
• Crowded transportation: Public transport is often crowded during the New Year period (especially January 1–3).
You had better book in advance.
• Business hours: Many shops and attractions may have different operating hours during the New Year holidays, so check in advance.
Other Recommendations
Winter cuisine
• Besides osechi ryori, enjoy hot pot dishes, oden (Japanese hot pot), roasted sweet potatoes, and seasonal seafood such as yellowtail, crab, and oysters.
Traditional New Year’s decorations and customs
• Look out for kadomatsu (pine decorations), shimenawa (sacred ropes), kite flying, and calligraphy.
Enjoy your visit to Japan in January!
I’m Nobu , one heart enjoy together!!
TOKYO travel TIPS tour reviews
My tour details
My email:
nobu11051991@gmail.com
My phone, Whatsapp, LINE
+81-80-8041-5597